I first purchased the "Ultra Hardware" version and sent it back for a refund due to a manufacturing defect that rendered it impossible to function properly.This "Hardware Essentials" version had a slightly more robust design -- just a few subtle but significant improvements to the same basic design -- especially in the area of internal friction reduction which is where the "Ultra Hardware" version completely failed. This one sported a nylon washer between the moving parts.In my installation, the hinge pin location was so close to the door that it didn't quite meet the 1/4" clearance specification that others have discussed in their reviews. However, with the help of a few hammer taps I was able to get the device seated without scraping off any paint, although there was no way to replace the cap once installed, which is fine. Nobody's gonna see that inside the the bedroom door.Our expectations were meager. It's a 1959 lightweight interior hollow door. We didn't even need to door to close all the way -- just enough to keep the light from the hallway out. My wife goes to bed first, followed by the dog and then me. When the dog opens the door, the light shines on my wife and she has to get up and close the door. Not anymore!There's no way I would expect this device to actually close this door fully -- especially if the door was not opened 90 degrees to begin with. The door closed "to the touch" -- enough to block out the hall light after the first adjustment. But during the dog test, it turns out since the dog only opens the door about 35 degrees, there wasn't enough inertia or spring force to close the door sufficiently. It took two additional adjustments to get the door to close from the 30-35 degree position.And yes, the instructions are useless. So here's how it works... There's these two "wings" hanging down below the spring. After you've stuck the thing into the hinge with the tiny L-shaped pin removed, use your fingers to spread (push) the "wings" apart so the one is against the door moulding and the other is against the door itself. When you tighten the torsion screw, it will create a force that will tend to push against the wings in a way that will impart the force of the spring against the moudling and the door and force it to close. It's a cheap and easy way to do this, albeit with low expectations. You get what you pay for. If you've got a heavy door, then I'd buy anywhere from one to three of the complete hinge assemblies, as they are of far higher quality and will have an inherent mechanical advantage, using the far larger hinges as levers instead of the little "wings."Lastly, the little wrench that accompanies this model was not as useful in tight quarters for me as the spanner wrench that comes with the other kits. I could barely muster the minimum 60 degree turn needed to advance the nut, but that's the worst case, as my hinge pin was so close to the door. It worked out.If you find yourself stuck with a closed door and it bothers you, try one of those magnetic door stops for about $8.99 with the 3M adhesive mounting, and you'll be able to keep your door both open or closed as desired.

tried this on a bedroom door - chewed the wood, resulting in a hole in the door - ate the moulding behind the door.SO - bottom-line for me, and advice for those who purchase this product;if you're going to use this thing - glue a piece of metal where the "teeth" on this product will touch - that goes also for metal doors, because this thing WILL eat a metal door almost as quickly as it 'eats' a wooden one.BUT WAIT!i DO really like the adjustable tension - THAT is a GREAT feature, because ALL doors are NOT the same weight, and some products will SLAM doors and there's nothing one can do about it.THIS product allows one to find the perfect method of closing, which is the BEST feature of the thing.just remember - it's a GOOD product - DOES WORK - just needs some thought put into its installation.

This won't fit in all door jams, because it's got a "can" that requires some extra clearance -- if your door hinges are tight with the door jam, it wont fit.The adjustment procedure can be a little frustrating, particularly if you're using an external door that needs a bit of force to actually latch closed -- it takes a bit of coordination and hand strength with the tools provided. Might've made sense to use two.However, much lower profile than installing one of the arm-type door closers.

I am not certain how long this will work before it makes grooves in the wooden door. I think it would be improved if the mechanism sat flat against the door frame and the door. Possibly, a simple retrofit of stick-on plastic pads would help.Unit does work although Incould not get the cap all the way down like in the pictures and the instructions but this was an easily reversible modification and was simple to install.

Easy to install and works well.

Seems like poor door installation, bulky spring and other extraneous gripes overlook the ease and functionality of this product!!!We have brass hinges on all our doors…the brushed brass is lighter but not distracting….so….who cares.The door when opened a 1/5 of the way closes but does not latch. Since the purpose is the seal the air conditioning upstairs in lieu of flowing into the basement……who cares. BTW opening the door 1/4 or more yields full closure and latching.Had to use 2 (bought 3) so the closers worked better than I estimated.Again so what is the problem.I expect the latches to lose a bit of closing power as the frame contact depress the frame wood. Will fill with white wood putty (which dries hard as a rock) and voila…..not a problem.Have used these decades ago for years. Easy to replace, easy to install (if your door is installed properly) and compensates very well for inhabitants a door closing phobia.

I have used this type of product in the past and it was easy to install. For some reason the holes were not lining up and difficult to get it installed. It closed the door for about a week and then it would close the door but not enough to engage the latch. I tried again to get the right tension and in would not connect. Disappointing as I bout a different brand 10 years ago for a different door and it continues to work to day with no issues. This one lasted a week.

Great idea but difficult to fit and difficult to adjust because of lack of clearance between the hinge and the door. Torsion wire approach was better.

very easy to install

I ordered 2, they don't really work well, even after a lot of tweaking

We were attracted to this because it is less conspicuous than a commercial-style closer that mounts above the door. However, the closing force it is able to exert over the very short distance is minimal. You could theoretically use two, one on each hinge. Before ordering this, make sure you have a hinge that protrudes, because that is how this closer works. We eventually purchased a more expensive Yale closer, and are very happy with that.

Works as advertised but OMG the instructions are horrible !! I've been a technician for 30 years servicing office equipment and do much of my own reno work on the house but I could not figure out how this worked. I finally called the manufacturer who explained what I was doing wrong. Once installed the adjustment picture in the package shows basically how to adjust but it is much more trial and error than following instructions.Hints for installation:1) This is for 3 & 1/2" hinges. The pin is too thick for 3" so I changed the hinges to 3&1/2"2) When installing, the two metal grippy pieces face the door and go on either side of the hinge. In other words one piece is to the outside of the hinge on the frame side and the other the outside of the hinge on the door side3) Adjustments. The instructions are close but give instructions for putting less pressure on the door closing. When I got mine, there was no pressure on the spring. Pull the wee pin on the top, hand tighten the adjustment screw, then tighten with the wrench 3/4 of a turn. That was enough to close a hollow interior door gently.Good luck